Historic landmarks commission approves rooftop equipment screening at 29 East Victoria

The Historic Landmarks Commission approved project design and final approval for rooftop mechanical screening at 29 East Victoria, a structure of merit, after the applicant presented as‑built hardy board screening and proposed an extension to fully hide rooftop equipment.

Paul Seacat of Sher & Associates said the existing screening uses painted hardy board mounted on tube steel and Durablock; he said the screening has been in place since 2020 and the application seeks approval for the installed condition and an extension to match it. "We're proposing to install it so you won't see that equipment from the street," Seacat said.

Commission discussion focused on material durability and visual impact from public vantage points. One commissioner recommended painting the east side equipment to reduce visibility; a motion to approve the project with the addition of painting visible equipment carried in a roll‑call vote. The commission read required project compatibility and minor‑alteration findings into the record and recorded the 10‑day appeal period for the decision.